Early Generations

​Although Bengals are a relatively new breed of cat, first being classified in the 1980s after breeding efforts in the 1960s and 70s, they are still many generations removed from their last wild ancestor. Bengals are no longer considered a hybrid breed, as enough generations have passed that they are considered a specific breed of domestic house cat. However, there are still early-generation Bengals being bred by certain breeders that are considered a hybrid species. In genetic terms, Bengals are referred to as Studbook Traditional, or SBT.Breeding of early generation Bengals is complicated by a phenomenon known as hybrid infertility. When members of different species breed, as in the case of Bengals which began as a hybrid of the Asian Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) and the domestic house cat (Felis catus), the offspring frequently have decreased fertility, or are completely infertile. In the case of early generation Bengals, like the hybrid of a lion and tiger (a Liger), only the females are fertile. This means that to continue subsequent generations the female domestic backcross must be bred with a male domestic cat.

​Early generation Bengals are frequently classified as F1-3 depending on how many generations are removed since the last Asian Leopard Cat ancestor. However, this naming convention is technically incorrect. In biology and genetics, an F2 generation is the offspring of an F1 male and F1 female, and an F3 is the offspring of an F2 and F2, and so on. As mentioned above, male early generation hybrids are infertile, so a true F2 is impossible in this particular hybridization. Female early generation hybrids are bred with male domestic cats, frequently Bengals, to produce subsequent generations. The technically correct term for the female in each generation would be a true F1, then second generation (2G) domestic backcross, 3rd generation domestic backcross, then finally SBTs at the 4th generation of domestic backcross.

Proper naming convention is important in the discussion of the sale and breeding of not only early generation Bengals, but in Bengals as an entire breed. There are those who falsely believe that Bengals are a hybrid species and should be considered exotic pets rather than the subtype of domestic cat that they truly are. By using the scientific naming convention, we can ensure that Bengals as a breed are regarded as a domestic species rather than be submitted to erroneous policy and legislation meant to curb the exotic animal trade.​The TICA standard for Bengal conformation is largely derived from the unique physical features of the F1 Bengals. Proper conformation in SBT Bengals is meant to retain the wild look of these first-generation hybrids while maintaining the personality traits of domestic house cats. Early-generation Bengals are available from some breeders but are subject to regulation and policy regarding exotic animals. Every state has its own policies, so it is important to research the laws in your state before deciding to undertake the unique adventure of owning a cat still close to its wild roots. ​